For Whom She Sparkles

An elegant but forceful knocking on your front door tears you from your slumber. “Huh, what?” You blink and for a moment wonder where you are, what planet you’re on and even what year it is…not to mention if you were asleep for long.

Shaking your head, you notice the familiar glow of the sun beaming in around the windows. Glancing at your alarm clock, you notice the time. “Oh, It’s only 4:30pm.” You cast out a calming sigh.

The knocking resumes at the door. Making a puzzled face, you put on your slippers and head to the front door. There’s one final round of knocking before you call out, “I’m coming, I’m coming!” You arrive and open the door. There’s a brilliant light that makes you shield your eyes. “Whoa.”

The bright glow fades and you gasp in awe and disbelief at the sight of Princess Celestia standing there. “Hello, may I come in? It is rather chilly outside.”

You gulp as you stand aside. “Of course, your highness, please, won’t you come inside?”

Celestia chuckles softly as she steps inside. She speaks your name and turns your way, just as you close the door. “So, you have really made some progress. Your home looks positively charming…well, compared to when you first moved in.”

“Uh, th-thank you, princess.” You stutter a little.

“Please, it’s just us, you don’t need to be so formal. “Celestia” will be fine.” She continues to look around your living room.

“Are you here because of the letter I sent you?” Celestia nods. Then giving her a closer look, now that the light around her has faded, you notice something about her. “Why are you wearing saddlebags?”

The princess chuckles again. “So full of questions, just like you were when I first met you on Earth.” You don’t say anything. All you do is just stand there in awe, again. “Ah, I see I’ve had that effect on you. But to answer your question, yes, I am here in response to your letter, and I am indeed wearing saddlebags.”

You scratch the back of your head and slowly step closer to her. “You didn’t have “that” effect on me, but I was just a little confused. I expected you to send a reply letter, not actually show up.”

Celestial looks back the hallway. “Yes well, when you mentioned the disease Twilight suspects she may have contracted, I wanted to show up in person, to make sure.”

“Aren’t you afraid of getting sick?” You ask her.

She shakes her head. “Of course not. In addition to my sun magic, I also have great healing abilities, so I have a natural immunity to most illnesses.”

“Wow, no wonder Twilight spoke so highly of you alicorns.” Shaking your head, you realize you’re rambling. “Oh, we should check on Twilight. Uh, right this way, you…um, Celestia.”

The princess smiles and follows you back to your room. Upon entering you see Twilight resting in your bed. Your eyes immediately tear up. She’s holding the pillow she gave you and you see a glistening from the corner of her eye. It warms your heart so that she gave you that wonderful heart-shaped pillow she made. “Twilight,” you mutter in almost a whisper. Standing at her side, you gently nudge her. “Twilight, Twilight, we have a guest.”

“Huh?” Twilight opens her eyes and looks around, while still clutching the pillow. She catches sight of you and Celestia. “Oh!” She quickly hides the pillow. “Um, p-princess. How are you?”

Celestia giggles softly as she walks up to her faithful student. “I’m fine. But from what he’s told me, you aren’t doing so well.”

Twilight nods weakly. “Yeah…it’s true.” She sighs and lightly punches the blanket. “I’ve got magiconduitis.”

“Yes, and with Winter Wrap Up fast approaching, it seems this ailment is most ill-timed.” Celestia walks up and places a hoof along Twilight’s forehead. “You don’t seem overly feverish, but…there it is.”

“Huh?” Twilight glances up at her mentor.

“The eyes. There’s the distinct look in them.”

Twilight sniffs. “Oh and my sinuses still feel stuff with clay…ah-ah-ah-choo!” Her horn glows that same strange blue color again.

“And the final symptom. An odd blue colored glow on your horn. I’m afraid you two were right.” Celestia sighs.

You turn to Celestia. “Is there anything we can do? Otherwise Twilight will be in for a few painful weeks.”

Celestia smiles. “Not to worry. You asked why I was wearing these saddlebags.” She opens the bags with her golden magic. “I needed them to bring this.” She levitates two bottles of a bubbly green potion. “Here.”

Your eyes light up like a Hearth’s Warming tree. “Is that the antidote?”

“Yes, but I’m afraid this isn’t an instantaneous cure. It will still take most of the next two weeks for this medicine to defeat the infection. But, it will help to lessen the impact and with plenty of bed rest, Twilight should start feeling better in a few days.” Celestia sets the bottles on the nightstand beside your mare.

You place your hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “Isn’t that great, Twilight?”

She smiles and nodes weakly. “Yes. At least I should be able to do my part when Winter Wrap Up arrives.”

“That’s right.” You quickly turn and bow to princess. “Celestia, thank you, thank you so much!”

Celestia smiles and places a gilded hoof on your shoulder. “You are very welcome. Now come on, please rise. I get enough bowing when I’m holding court in the throne room.”

“Oh.” You scamper back to your feet. “Sorry, I’m just so grateful.” There’s a big smile on your face.

“You are very welcome. And would you please follow me back to the living room?” She gives you a rather stern look.

Suddenly you have that sinking feeling. Then, you do an internal facepalm. Of course, Twilight is in your bed and you wrote the princess. She’s not stupid. Celestia probably figured it out. Well, you suspected this moment would eventually come. It just seems like there could be a better time. “Yes, Celestia.”

“Wait,” Twilight speaks. “You two don’t need to go. Especially if this is about what I think it is.”

“Oh?” Celestia turns to Twilight. “And what might that be?”

Twilight hangs her head and sighs, then she coughs a little. “I’ve been meaning to tell you that about a week ago, he and I got together.” Your mare pauses for a moment. The tension in the air seems really thick and you’re unsure of the look on Celestia’s face. “I wanted to tell you, but wasn’t sure if you’d approve. I know you’ve said in the past you’re fine with human-pony couples, but none of them had your student as one of the ones involved.”

For a few moments there’s a super serious look on Celestia’s face, then as quickly as it formed, it fades and is replaced by a smile. “Oh, Twilight. Why would I disapprove? You know I’ve told you countless times, you’re free to lead your own life. And I wouldn’t miss seeing where your life goes for anything in the world.”

“Princess,” Twilight reaches out to share a tender hug with her. “I should have known.”

“Twilight, Twilight.” Celestia giggles warmly. “I know I come off a bit stern at times, but you can always feel safe talking to me. Because, I promise I’ll always listen, then I’ll react.” She winks.

You chuckle, breathing a major sigh of relief. “Phew, you had me going for a moment.”

Celestia turns to look at you. “Yes, well, there are times I can’t resist the chance for a good joke. Now as much as I’ve enjoyed visiting you two, I fear I must return to Canterlot.” She shakes her head. “Like always, there are just so many matters of state to deal with.”

Nodding, you reply, “Yeah seems there’s always work to be done.”

“Yes.”

“Um, let me walk you out. Twilight, I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” She smiles at you.

You stand tall and motion for the princess to exit your room. “After you, Celestia.”

“Oh, thank you.” Celestia smiles as you follow her back into the living room. The two of you head for the door, then she turns your way. “Make sure Twilight takes all of that medicine.”

You nod dutifully. “I will. You can count on me.”

“I’m sure I can. And I wish you both the best.” She laughs again. “By the way, the look on your face…it was worth giving you both such a stern look.”

You wave farewell, while laughing at the princess’s lighthearted side. “Have a safe flight back to Canterlot.”

“Thank you. Until next time…farewell!” Celestia calls your name as she steps outside and takes to he sky. Even the blustery wind doesn’t seem to slow her down as she rises into the sky, majestically flapping her elegant white wings.

“Wow.” You watch Celestia a while longer, then retire back inside. After locking the door, you head back to your room. “Okay, Twilight. Ready for some of that medicine?”

"Of course, but could you come here first?” She asks with loving eyes.

You walk over to her. “Yes?”

Twilight carefully wraps her forelegs around you. “Mmm, thank you for everything you do.”

You place your arms around her and sigh lovingly. “Anytime, Twilight. I’m just glad I could help.”

“You did, you really did.” She grunts softly as she keeps her hooves around you.

“And I saw you holding that pillow you gave me.”

Twilight looks up at you. “Yeah. I’m just so touched you love it.”

You nod your head. “I do, but not nearly as much as I love you.” You draw her back into another hug.

“Mmm, I love you too. Oh.” She breaks your hug. “Ah, ah-ah-choo!” Twilight takes a tissue and wipes her nose. “Ugh, stupid cold…lousy horn fever.”

You just laugh as you reach for one of the medicine bottles. “Come on, Twilight. Let’s get some of this in you. Oh, be right back. I need a medicine cup.” She just smiles as you step into the bathroom and rummage around a little. Then, returning, you take the empty cup and read the bottle, then pour some for her. “Open up.” You smile.

Twilight giggles, then opens her mouth. You hold the cup up to her mouth and your mare drinks down every drop. She smacks her lips for a little. “Hmm, not a terrible flavor…mmm, tastes like a lime or a grape and…” Twilight shivers. “Eww, there’s the tang and that twinge I get from most medicines.”

You chuckle as you pull the cup away. “Yes, well, you know that twinge means the medicine will work.”

“I know.” Twilight giggles again.

You disappear long enough to wash the cup with hot soapy water. Then after drying it, you set it with the bottle on the nightstand. “There, all set for the next dose. Looks like you take this twice a day. Each bottle is about a week’s worth.”

Twilight partially closes her eyes and nods. “Well at least it will help.”

“Yeah.” You run your hand along the back of her mane. “Even under the weather, your mane is still silky.”

She places a hoof on your forearm and tilts her head, giving you the fondest of looks. “Maybe it stays that way so you’ll keep stroking it. Mmm.” Twilight sighs. “It’s so soothing when you touch my hair.”

“Just like that day we got together and I brushed your mane…and tail. It was very relaxing for me too.”

“Good.” Twilight yawns. “Oh come on! I just did nap.”

You smile and give her mane a little more attention. “You need your rest. Tell you what. You get a short nap and I’ll go make something for dinner. Any requests?”

She shakes her head and yawns again. “Nah, I trust you too…mmm, make something…yeah. That’ll be yummy.” Twilight lies her head back down and drifts off.

You check on her covers and give her a tender kiss on the cheek. “Rest well, my love.”

“Mmm.” Twilight murmurs from within her sleep.

Taking one more look at your mare, you leave you room and ponder what to make for dinner.

* * * * * *

The week moved on slowly, however, Celestia was right. After close to four days, Twilight started perking up. Her symptoms began to ease, but she still seemed more than a little drained from everything.

Work kept you busy, but the weather was decent and your boss was kind enough to let you go home to check on Twilight during lunchtime. You’ve always treasured having a good boss like Bright Feather.

Friday finally rolled around and after getting home from work, Twilight invited you to crash in your bed with her for a little nap. It was a tiring day, so a nap with your mare seemed to be just the ticket.

Unlike the day Celestia visited, you opted for comfort and dressed down to your underwear, before crawling under the covers with Twilight.

The covers are nice and warm as you lay beside your mare. Her velvety fur is comforting as you sleep at her side. Your mind is glazed over with blissful slumber. So much in fact you don’t realize you’ve rolled onto your back.

You smack your lips and turn your head on your pillow, getting a little more comfy. Then you hear a familiar voice, Twilight’s voice. She calls your name and says, “Hey. Wake up.”

You groan at first, and aren’t sure why she’s interrupting your nap with her. You open your eyes for a second and don’t see her beside you. Then you notice a welcoming weight on top of you. “Huh?” You turn to look up. “Twilight?” Opening your eyes and wiping the sleepiness from them, you see her smiling down at you. “What’s the…”

She giggles at you and boops your nose with her hoof. “You’re finally awake, silly.”

“Hey what do you…wait a sec. Why are my underwear…” You give her a baffled look. “Twilight?”

“Mmm. Sorry. I woke up a few minutes ago, and can you believe it.” She holds up a hoof. “My head feels clearer, and I actually feel awake.”

A smile forms on your face. “That’s wonderful.” You reach up and caress her cheek. “So, you’re on the mend now?”

“Mm-hmm. I am. And it’s a good thing too.” Twilight sighs rather provocatively. “Now, are you awake? Hang on, I know.” She wiggles her rump and squirms on you just a little.

“Ah.” Your eyes widen. “Yes, I’m awake.”

Twilight laughs. “I see that and I see that’s awake and standing at attention too.” She moves a little and her folds bump into your spire. “Ooh, fully awake.”

“Mmm.” It’s been about a week since you and Twilight had a chance to mess around. You lightly shiver with delight from the gentle motion and warmth of her marehood. Then, you notice something else. “Whoa, Twilight…you must be feeling better.”

She blushes and runs her hoof through your hair. “I told you.”

“Wow, you’re dripping wet.” You grin and smile as you caress her mane.

Twilight moans softly as she moves so your manhood collides with her feminine curves. “What did you expect? We haven’t had a chance to do anything since I got sick.” Her blush deepens. “I was horny Friday night.” She giggles a little. “I feel a little naughty admitting it.”

You shake your head. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting it, Twily. Mmm, so then, you want to…have a little fun?”

She gives you a seductive look and nods. “Yes and make love. Mmm.” She rubs herself against you again. The dampness of her arousal blanks your mind and you simply wrap your arms around her and looking into her violet eyes, draw her into a lengthy kiss.

At first you’re not sure it was a good idea, but then, she presses her lips back and starts to moan softly. Her hooves come to rest on your shoulders as she adds to your kiss and opens her mouth. The kiss is better then any you can recall, and it seems like it’s been forever since your tongues had a chance to share a loving dance.

The kiss ends and you see Twilight pull back, a thin trail of salvia clinging to her lower lip. “Oh?” She smiles as it breaks, before she tugs at the covers. “We’ll get too hot if we stay covered up.”

You nod. “Yeah. Uh…oh.”

Before you can move a muscle, Twilight’s horn lights up its normal raspberry color. Slowly she works the sheet and blanket down to just past your feet. “There…it worked.” She cheers and leans down to kiss you again.

You caress her mane. “You really are on the mend. Sure that you’re up for…”

Twilight places a hoof over your mouth. “Mm-hmm. I am, even if I’m not.” She rubs against you again, only this time her throbbing clit brushes along the top of your member.

“Oh, Twilight.” You shiver as you move your hands down to her cutie marks. There, you run your fingers along her softest fur and tenderly knead them on her flanks. “Should we?”

“Skip the foreplay…oh yes. Here.” Twilight wiggles her rump a little and pushes her slippery mount along your hard shaft.

“Mmm, yeah.” You firm your grip on her cutie marks and feeling your way around, help to guide her down. “Ahh.” Your voice collapses into pleasured moans as you slowly push into her hungry marehood. Pulling her down to your hilt, you immediately feel her give your masculinity a welcoming squeeze.

Twilight giggles, as her hooves remain draped on your shoulders. “I’ve got you now.” She kisses your lips again, then lightly starts to buck her hips on you.

Shivering waves of pleasure roll across your manhood and surge up your back. Smiling up at Twilight, you gaze deep into her eyes. She shares your loving gaze and from that fondness alone, you nearly feel as though you could explode into her until you pass out. But things have only just started and you know you’re more than up for the long haul with your sweet mare.

Your caress her mane one more time, then with your hands on her cutie marks, you aid in her flexing hips. Twilight adds more speed as she casts out the sweetest sighs and most endearing moans.

You take turns sharing lip and cheek kisses. At one point, you notice her neck as she tilts her head, allowing you to plant a tender kiss along it. You hear a sigh of approval from Twilight and find endless delight in kissing her there. The blissful sensation along your manhood causes you to join her in moaning and sighing again and again. Twilight’s glance meets yours as she locks you into another kiss – the best one yet.

“Mmm, Twilight.” You moan as you both begin nuzzling each other’s cheeks.

She starts going back and forth from cheek to cheek as she pants passionately into your ear. Twilight moans your name. “This is wonderful.”

“Oh yes…it’s so, so good. Twilight.” You moan and pant into her ear as you both continue to nuzzle.

Your body shivers again as Twilight adds even more speed to your elating union. Checking your grip on her flanks, you make sure to keep time with her motions. A chance to pull back presents itself and you savor another look into her eyes. The two of you resume nuzzling as your eyes go shut. Twilight quivers and shakes against you and her hind legs twitch a bit, right along with your own.

The pressure and pleasure in your loins is building. “More, more…please more.” Twilight pants into your ear. “Ohhh, I’m so horny.”

Her words flow like water into your ears. Tightening your grip, you add more of your own speed to her movements. “Ahh, Twilight…tell me you’re close.”

“Mmm, yes, yes…ohh, I’m so close.” She kisses your lips, and gives you a loving and almost pleading look, then nuzzles you again. “Please, burst inside me. I want you.” Her hooves dig into your shoulders and her body trembles even more.

You manage to reply. “Anything for you, Twilight. Oh, have me…” Your mind begins to glaze over in ecstasy as you feel all but to the breaking point.

Twilight cries out and lightly arches her back. She moans into your ear and gives your manhood a hard squeeze. Somehow in the blissful storm you mange to keep her hips moving and in seconds you join her. Your body tenses up for a moment and then you erupt, bursting over and over into her. “Twilight.” You mange to call out moving your hands to wrap around her back.

She trembles in your arms and gives you another squeeze. A delightful rush of dampness falls against your spire as you pop out two more spurts. Your breath quickens and you just lay there panting right along with Twilight.

For a fleeting moment nothing exists outside the two of you. Your arms remain locked around your mare and her hooves are still hooked on your shoulders even as she trembles.

Several minutes pass as you turn to look up at her. “Twi…Twilight.” You huff for breath and loosen your grip on her. Keeping on hand running along her back, you gingerly caress her mane with the other.

Twilight gives you a weak smile and manages to say your name. “Ah, that was so worth the effort.” She lays her head on your chest.

“Are you all right?” Your breathing begins to calm.

“Yeah. I will be…as long as I’m with you.” She giggles as your fingers continue to trail through her hair. “Mmm, please don’t stop doing that.” Twilight sighs again. “It’s the perfect compliment to the first orgasm I’ve had in a week.”

You chuckle and continue stroking her mane. “That one was amazing. Did I “burst” sufficiently?”

Twilight looks at you and blushes, then sighs again, rubbing her hoof along your side. “Definitely. Oh, there it is…”

“What…no, yeah. I feel it too.” You smile.

“Our hearts…beating side by side. Wow.” Twilight giggles as she runs her hoof through your hair. “Yours is still beating so fast.”

You look up at her as she lifts her head. She looks into your eyes and you comb your fingers through her tresses. “It’s only because I’m so crazy for you, Twilight.”

“You’re not alone. I know my heart is still pounding a bit.” She turns to the nightstand and you follow her gaze to the alarm clock.

“Almost dinnertime?”

“Yeah.” Twilight adjusts against you. “Mmm, I’m still feeling that wonderful sensation.”

“Same here…ooh.” You place your free hand on Twilight’s shoulder.

Twilight gives you a devilish smile. “Did you like that?”

“Yeah. Mmm, that feels so good.” You twitch slightly as Twilight continues to give your manhood firm but gentle squeezes.

“I’m not letting you go easily.” She giggles.

“Well, I’m in no hurry. We can just stay here for a while and go from there.” You resume caressing her mane.

“That sounds wonderful.” She lays her head back onto your chest. “I hope that makes up for our second week being less than ideal.”

“It was wonderful, but who says this week was a let down? Aside from work, I still got to spend most of it with you.” You sigh and savor having Twilight so close to you.

“Even though I was sick?” She groans a little.

“Hey, you didn’t plan it. Besides, I love you, Twilight, you know that. I’d happily care for you when you’re sick.”

“Aww, I know you’re sweet, but you seem to keep getting sweeter. Mmm, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

You don’t say anything else, just sigh contently, while stroking her mane with one hand and holding her with the other.

“I love you.” Twilight whispers your name and places her hooves around you as the two of you remain there on your bed and enjoy the moment a while longer.

* * * * * *

Tucking in your shirttail, you stretch your arms and yawn. A new day is beginning and not just any day. After what seemed so far away, Winter Wrap Up has finally arrived. Checking your clothes, you give a nod.

The toilet flushes and the bathroom door opens. Twilight comes trotting back into your room. Her horn is glowing as she holds the second bottle of medicine. “That’s the last of it.”

“Ah, that’s right, the last dose. You seem better and your horn has been working more and more.” You smile walking over to her.

Twilight draws you into a hug. “Yes. Thanks to your help.” She wiggles her rump. “Oh, I really had to pee this morning. I didn’t think it was ever going to stop.”

You chuckle, running your hand along her back. “Well, your body is still healing itself and needs to flush out the last of that infection.”

She nods and sets the bottle down on your dresser. “Yeah, you’re right. Mmm…I love a morning hug from you.”

You chuckle. “Better than an afternoon or evening hug?”

“Oh, you.” Twilight shakes her head. “But, can you believe it?”

“Yeah, Winter Wrap Up Day.” You smile down at her. “We’d better gather some things and then go meet up with the others.”

Twilight nods. “Right. I’ll go get our checklists. Be right back.” She kisses your lips, then trots out of the room.

You got to your closet and get your backpack. You can’t help but grin. The two of you are still at your place. Going through your closet you get some handy things you know are going to be on the checklist. “There.”

Twilight comes back into your room holding the checklists in the grip of her magic. “I’ve got the lists. Oh, there you are.” She smiled as she walks over to you. “What’re you up to?”

“Just packing some handy things, like a first-aid kit and some snacks. Oh, don’t forget to fill some canteens. You never know when a task will take you far from water.”

Twilight stares at you with loving eyes and just swishes her tail contently. “Oh, when you speak so practical and plan like this…oh, I could just take you right now.”

You grin. “Gee, Twilight. I didn’t realize organization did it for you…wait.” Smacking your hand on your forehead you nod. “Right, no wonder that night in the library after we cleaned up.”

She halves her eyes and nods. “Well yeah. But, I’ll be honest.” She rubs up against you. “Organizing makes me feel really good, but it only turns me on when you do it.” Twilight winks at you.

Your cheeks grown warm as you blush. “Aww, Twily. You flatterer.”

“Whoa.” You draw her into an affectionate hug. “Um, ah, I see.” Twilight places her hooves around you and joins you in a passionate kiss.

“Mmm.” Your lips part and you sigh lovingly, sharing a loving gaze with her. “Okay, we’d better get to work.”

Twilight giggles as you two move apart. “Right.” Then she looks back at you. “Though, I’m glad you had us take a moment to do that. Ooh, look.” She holds up her checklist. “I made time for that, see?” She points a hoof.

“Hmm, 'Kiss my special somepony.' Wow, it’s there.” You chuckle and pat her back. “Okay, I need a few things from the kitchen. Then we’ll head out to your place.”

“Sounds good. Oh, don’t forget your snow gear.”

“On it.” You call back the hallway. The welcoming sound of Twilight’s laughter fills your ears, while you fill your canteen with water from the tap. The familiar smell of cold wet metal fills your nose as the canteen fills up.

“Looks like we’re about done here.” You place a few last items into your backpack, then zip it shut. “Let’s go.”

Twilight leans against you. “Right behind you.” The two of you zip up your coats and make your way out into the chilly air of Ponyville.

* * * * * *

You stand there with Twilight and Spike as she reads over her checklist. The rest of the town’s ponies and her friends are waiting as she reads over each item.

Twilight turns to the large group of ponies. “Okay, everypony. During our meeting last week, you all have been assigned to a team. Spike, see to it the leaders get their clipboards, please.” She stands tall and smiles, while wearing her all-team organizer vest.

“Right.” Spike walks up to the leaders of each group, a stack of clipboards in his claws. “Here you are, everypony.” He hands each leader a clipboard. “Your checklists, assignments and any notes Twilight felt you should have are detailed on there in pretty much the same way they were last year.”

None of the leaders speak. Instead, they simply nod as they start looking over their materials. Spike scampers back over to you and Twilight. “All set.” He grins.

“Thank you, Spike. Okay, everypony, get with your leaders. They will give you your individual assignments. Let’s do our best to wrap up winter just like we did last year!”

The others all cheer and many wave their hooves in support of their annual task. You feel even more privileged that Twilight is your mare. It’s so rewarding to watch her take charge of everypony and get things going. And, just like the past few years, you see even more humans in the crowd this year. All the more reason to feel satisfied, knowing that your kind is helping tend to the land you love.

“Ah, Equestria.” You sigh as you walk over to Twilight.

Twilight smiles at you. “Thinking about the land you love?”

You nod. “Yes, because it has the mare I love.”

Her smile grows and her cheeks turn just a little rosy. “Aww. Anyway, how did I do?”

You turn to place you hand on her back. “You did great, Twilight. I know I’m excited about today. And this year, I get to help out more than I ever did.” You hold your free hand close to your heart. “This will be great. Oh, hey.” You turn to Twilight. “How are you feeling?”

While Twilight is wearing her special vest, she’s wearing it over a coat. “Not too bad. I still feel just a tiny bit drained. But, the cold air is refreshing.”

“Well, if you need anything, just let me know. Oh, I guess, what should I work on first?” You smile as you continue walking with her.

“Uh, hang on one sec.” She turns to see Spike sleeping in the bushes. “Okay, check, Spike sleeping in the bushes.”

You grin. “So much for his little speech of, 'I’m not going to nap till after lunch this year.' ”

Twilight giggles as you continue over to a small table where more of her notes are set up. “Poor Spike. But he has already been a big help.”

“He sure has. We should get him a sapphire cupcake for later.”

“I’m sure he’d like that. Just like the four you got him after I started feeling better.” Twilight pats your leg.

You blush a little. “Yes well, thanks to his help, Celestia brought that cure for your illness, and oh, what an early evening romp we had last Friday.”

“Yeah it was great.” Twilight leans against you. “Okay, now, here’s what needs done next.”

“I’m all ears.” You place your hand on her back again and read over the checklist with her.

* * * * * *

Snow crunches under your boots as you make your way along the snowy path. Looking around, you recognize where you are. You’ve made it to the backside of Sweet Apple Acres and the western edge of Ponyville. In addition to getting your bearings, you’re searching for Twilight. Rarity said you should be able to find her in this area, helping place bird nests.

“Twilight. Twilight” You call making your way through the snow and the cold. Thank goodness it’s Winter Wrap Up Day. I’ve had my fill of the snow and all this cold weather. It doesn’t need to get too hot too quick, but some warmer weather would be nice. Panning your head around, you still don’t see Twilight. “Now where could she be…ah.”

Trudging on a little further, you find yourself at the base of a rocky plateau. Glancing above, you notice snowy fields and of course nearby apple tress. Nodding, you know you’re right where you are supposed to be. Then heading a little further along the path parallel to the rocky wall, you see a gathering of trees and finally, Twilight.

“There you are, Twilight.” You call over to her.

“Huh?” Twilight looks over her shoulder and smiles. “Oh, hey. How’s it going?”

Giving your mare a looking over, you notice a small cart full of neatly prepared bird nests. Twilight is using her magic to place them in the crossed branches of the trees.

“It’s going good. Rainbow Dash and Applejack sent me to give you their latest update.” You turn to your backpack and remove a small piece of paper.

Twilight has three nests held in the raspberry glow of her magic as she places them. “There. That’s another tree all set.” She smiles as she walks up to you. “My horn is working great.”

You smile as you place an arm on her shoulder. “That’s great news. So, still feeling okay?”

She nods and uses her magic to snag the piece of paper from you. “Of course. But, I’m still so glad you’re concerned. Hmm, now let’s see what they have to report.”

Leaning next to the cart of bird nests you tap a boot in the snow. “I think you’ll be pleased with their progress.”

“Hmm.” Twilight reads over the note and smiles. “You’re right. I am pleased. Rainbow Dash says the birds will be arriving soon and that the Pegasus Team is clearing the clouds away.”

Right after Twilight makes that remark, you notice rays of sunlight begin peaking through breaks in the clouds. Holding up your hand, you shield your eyes. “Yeah. Sure seems that way.”

“Oh and Applejack says the fields in Sweet Apple Acres are almost cleared. The plow team has done a great job clearing the snow.” Twilight folds up the paper and smiles. She takes her clipboard and flips through her checklist. “Okay, looks like we’re ahead of schedule.”

“That’s good.” There’s a noticeable scrapping sound and a slight rumble. Turning your eyes to the top of the plateau, you see piles of snow start to form along the edge. “Ah, there’s the plow team now.”

Twilight nods. “Yeah. Things are coming along. Hey, want to take a little break?” She smiles and rubs a hoof along your belly.

“Sure. I don’t think it will hurt. Then we’ll get back to. Gah.” You shield your eyes again as even more sunlight fills the sky. “Wow, the Pegasi are really clearing those clouds. Mmm, feel that warm sensation from the sunlight.”

Twilight stands beside you for a moment. “Yeah, it feels really nice. Ooh, but I don’t want the sunlight glaring in my eyes. Come on, we can make use of the shade from this outcropping.”

“Okay.” You follow Twilight closer to the rocky wall. Glancing a little further ahead of where you two are at, you notice a bend in the plateau and that it forms a bit of an ‘L’ shape. “Huh. Why did Rarity send you here with nests?”

“Well, Fluttershy told her about this distant group of trees and that some of her bird friends were gypped out of having nice nests out here. I wanted to see how my horn was doing and didn’t think bird nests would be a big deal.”

Reaching for your canteen, you pop the lid and take a sensible gulp. “Yeah, well, it seems that’s going all right for you. Want some?” You offer Twilight your canteen.

“Yeah, so far so good. And thanks.” She takes hold of your canteen in her magic but moves to hold it in her hooves. “This is a little heavy.” She giggles. “Don’t want to over do it too much.” You smile as she takes a few good sips, then gives the canteen back.

Screwing the cap back on, you take a calming breath. “So far things are going smoothly.”

“Uh-huh. Let’s see what’s next.” Twilight checks over her clipboard.

As you stand there with Twilight, you notice the sunlight begin to fade. “Huh? That’s funny.”

Twilight looks up from her clipboard. “What’s funny?”

“The sky just dimmed…what do you suppose…” You walk out from under the rocky awning and see why. “Whoa, what is the plow team doing? Those snow piles are getting awfully big and close to the edge.”

“Close to the edge did you say?”

Walking back over to Twilight, you nod. “Yeah. We should head up there and tell them to start piling the snow elsewhere otherwise these trees might get…”

Twilight flinches. “Huh?” She wipes her face. “Water?” Looking up she sees water dripping off the rocky outcropping. Her eyes widen. “We’d better move.”

You nod. “Right, we don’t…” A loud cracking sound fills the air and is immediately followed with a loud rumbling sound. “Oh no. Twilight…run!”

“Ahhh!” She shouts out as a combination of rock and snow begins to start raining down from above.

“This way.” You call to her. Only you halt in your tracks as more snow and debris is falling ahead of you. “Back the other way, quick!”

The two of you try to run but the ground is still covered with a thicket of snow. The rumbling and cracking intensifies. “Oh no!” The combination of snow and rock is now becoming a full-fledged avalanche.

There is almost no time, as the debris becomes larger. A frantic search reveals an opening in the side of the rocky wall. “Twilight, this way.” You reach for Twilight as the two of you make it to a patch of snow free ground. “Inside!”

Twilight nods as you both take a short jump and make for the cave. The cracking and rumbling is so loud it hurts your ears. You and Twilight make it through the opening and strike the cavern’s rocky floor. Turning back you see snow and rocky debris pours into the cave entrance. “Twilight!”

You hear her cry your name, before the ground quakes. You manage to get your feet and find Twilight a short distance from you. Not hesitating, you skid to a halt beside her and hunker down on top of her. You both close your eyes and brace yourselves, while the avalanche continues to rumble all around you.

To Be Continued…